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      Hosting the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is a joyless marketing operation aimed at catching the eye of corporate investors

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      DAY THREE in the Big Brother house and the inmates are already threatening to go full Lord of the Flies.And, yes, we’ve already identified Piggy.
      Lusail Stadium in Doha will host the World Cup final but so far the build-up hasn’t lit up the imagination for those already in QatarCredit: Getty
      England and Wales flags are suspended over Lusali BoulevardCredit: Getty
      So it’s probably a good job that we’re holed up in a country where alcohol is forbidden — unless you count the fan zone’s £12-a-pint Budweiser, which barely counts as booze.
      Welcome to Qatar, the beautiful desert land of sun, sand and concrete.
      With all the matches being staged within spitting distance of each other, for the first ever World Cup, all of Fleet Street’s finest sportswriters (plus a few of us pretenders) appear to be staying in the same apartment block in the appropriately named Al Sadd district of Doha.
      It’s a weird social experiment to discover how many planet-sized egos can be crammed into the most soulless space imaginable before it all kicks off.
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      And the way things are going I wouldn’t bet on everyone making  it safely home at the end of the  tournament.
      We’ve already seen one Danish TV crew being harassed and threatened by Qatari security for having the temerity to film a roundabout near a department store.
      But there are so many rules and protocols to follow out here that you risk the wrath of the authorities every time you step on to the streets.
      No booze, no vapes, no sausages, no porn, no painkillers, no gays, no swearing, no public displays of affection.
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      Even previous World Cup hosts Russia were easy going compared to this lot.
      It’s not that the reception we have received has been hostile or unwelcoming.
      Far from it in fact. But they are so used to following the strict letter of the law that they simply can’t countenance the idea of compromise.
      Having said all that, I think I am still  waiting to meet my first Qatari national, because 90 per cent of the population are migrant workers and they are the ones doing all the heavy lifting.
      Some of them live here permanently and others are just here to help with the smooth running of this tournament.
      The first person I met on arrival at Doha International Airport was the world’s happiest taxi driver, a Kenyan called Joseph.
      He couldn’t wait to tell us how he’d had ‘that Gareth Southgate’ in the back of his cab and that the England boss had arranged five World Cup tickets for him.
      Even the steward at the accreditation centre who told me my press pass said ‘expired’ did  so with a polite smile without even mentioning the fact that I do in fact resemble the living dead.
      But if you’re looking for an actual example of World Cup fever, then you are going to be sorely disappointed.
      Maybe that will change when all the travelling supporters arrive in the next 48 hours.
      England manager Gareth Southgate was at a welcome event with local volunteers at the Al Wakrah SC Stadium in Al WakrahCredit: Reuters
      But it still won’t disguise the fact that the Qataris themselves are not that interested in football.
      This is simply an opportunity for them to showcase their country’s wealth and their ability to build seven new stadiums and an entire metro system.
      It’s a joyless marketing operation aimed at catching the eye of corporate investors in the willy-waving battle with their rival Arabian states.
      Which once again begs the question as to what exactly are we all doing here?
      Because if you thought that it was a terrible idea when Fifa awarded the World Cup to Qatar in 2010, it is only when you actually get here that the true depth of the corruption behind that decision really hits home.
      W-RON-G SIGNING
      YOU didn’t need to be Nostradamus to see trouble coming when Manchester United pressed the panic button to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo last year.
      The return of the biggest ego in football was always going to be an accident waiting to  happen — and it was only a matter of time before it all went pear-shaped.
      So I can’t understand how anyone can be even mildly shocked by this week’s explosive fall-out.
      My only surprise is that it has taken this long for Ronaldo to throw his toys out of the pram.
      But now the Portuguese is burning more bridges than the retreating Russian army and surely no other club will be  stupid enough to take him on after this hissy fit.
      MAX TO GRIND
      MAX VERSTAPPEN really showed his true colours the other day when he defied team orders to allow Sergio Perez to overtake him on the final lap of the Brazilian Grand Prix.
      The flying Dutchman might be a brilliant  racing driver but as a person he is clearly a Grade One a***hole.
      Even Red Bull boss Christian Horner was left embarrassed by Verstappen’s selfishness as he apologised to Perez.
      But they say that nice guys don’t finish first and Bad Max is living proof of that. Ronaldo on wheels, if you like.
      GARETH STALE
      GARETH BALE insists he has no plans to retire from international football after the World Cup despite managing just 28 minutes of MLS action in the last two months.
      And why would he want to call it a day when he knows that he can just turn up whenever he likes and walk straight into Rob Page’s team?
      Because if Bale can remain his country’s captain despite completing the full 90 minutes just once in the past year, what’s to stop him from becoming the oldest international player in history?
      The way he’s going, he could still be leading Wales out at the 2062 World Cup in North Korea.
      POWERLESS GI-FORCE
       FIFA    president Gianni Infantino has addressed world leaders at the G20 summit to call for a World Cup ceasefire between warring neighbours Russia and Ukraine.
      That should do it, Gianni. The Nobel Peace Prize is in the bag.
      IR WE GO, ENGLAND
      THEY say there’s no  easy games in football.But seeing that Iran have  just lost 2-0 at home to Tunisia,  England will deserve everything that gets thrown at them if they don’t stroll it in Monday’s opening match. More

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      Sadio Mane OUT of World Cup 2022 with Senegal confirming Bayern Munich star has failed to recover from leg injury

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      SADIO MANE will MISS the World Cup through injury.The Senegal FA have confirmed that the ex-Liverpool winger, 30, has been ruled out.
      Senegal have confirmed that Mane is out of the World Cup through injuryCredit: AFP
      In a short statement, they said: ‘The FSF wishes a speedy recovery to its player Sadio Mane.”
      Mane suffered an injury to his right fibula in Bayern Munich’s penultimate game before the break.
      Team doctor Manuel Afonso announced: “Unfortunately, today’s MRI scan shows us that the evolution of the injury is not as positive as we had hoped and we, unfortunately, have to declare Sadio’s withdrawal from the World Cup.”
      Despite optimistically handing him a place in the Qatar-bound squad, Mane has now been ruled out of the whole showcase.
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      The forward required surgery, which went smoothly on Thursday evening.
      Bayern Munich confirmed that a “tendon was reattached to the head of his right fibula”.

      He will stay in Germany to begin rehab.
      The former Prem attacker is Senegal’s star player and will be a big miss for the African side in Qatar.
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      The rest of the squad have bizarrely been told “not to whine” about the absence of their talisman.
      Most of Senegal’s squad arrived in the Middle East on Sunday without Mane.
      Chelsea duo Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly will hope to still qualify from a weak group that contains the host nation Qatar.
      Ecuador and the Netherlands are tougher battles, especially without Mane.
      The reigning AFCON champion’s first game is against Holland on Monday. More

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      Ivan Toney ‘was NOT left out of England World Cup 2022 squad due to betting rule breaches, according to FA chief’

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE was reportedly not told to leave Ivan Toney out of his England World Cup squad by FA chiefs.The Brentford striker could face a huge ban after it was alleged he broke FA betting regulations 232 times between February 2017 and January 2021.
      It was Gareth Southgate’s choice to leave Ivan Toney out of his World Cup squadCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The Brentford striker is facing allegations that he broke FA betting rulesCredit: PA
      SunSport revealed earlier this month that Toney was at the centre of a match-betting probe.
      And the FA statement confirming the misconduct charge was announced on Wednesday – six days after the forward missed out on Southgate’s England World Cup squad.
      He was called-up for the last international break but failed to win his first cap in the Nations League clashes with Italy and Germany.
      Toney has 58 goals in 105 appearances for Brentford including ten in 14 this term, but it was not enough to earn a call-up for Qatar 2022.
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      However, ITV are claiming that FA CEO Mark Bullingham did not tell Three Lions boss Southgate to snub Toney as a result of his gambling charges.
      And they go on to state that he actually insisted that it was solely Southgate’s decision.
      Despite his disappointment, Toney seemed in the mood to party as he attended Rolando Aarons’ birthday bash earlier this week.
      Aarons, who turned 27 on Wednesday, posted images from his bash on Instagram.
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      And one of the pictures shows Toney all smiles in a blue shirt, jeans and trainers.
      Aarons opted for a white silk shirt and pale trousers while they were joined by Maidstone United striker James Alabi.
      He spent nine years on the books at Newcastle from 2012 to 2021 – and was therefore a team-mate of Toney’s for three years between 2015 and 2018. More

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      France fear as Olivier Giroud spotted writhing in agony as physio breaks out the magic spray in World Cup 2022 training

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      FRANCE’S “big brother” Olivier Giroud hopes he’s not in big bother after a worrying injury in World Cup training.Medical staff sprayed the leg of the sombre-faced striker, 36, after he was grounded during practice in Doha.
      Olivier Giroud looks concerned as he gets treatment during trainingCredit: EPA
      2018 World Cup winner Giroud has 114 caps and 49 goals, two short of Thierry Henry’s record strike haul for FranceCredit: Rex
      The former Arsenal and Chelsea star has been revelling in his role as the French squad’s elder statesman and says he’s treating the tournament like an eager youngster as it will surely be his last.
      And the sight of 2018 winner Giroud needing treatment this close to France’s opener against Australia next Tuesday will concern many.
      The defending champions will be anxious not to lose any more big names after midfielders N’Golo Kante, Christopher Nkunku and Paul Pogba missed out on Qatar through injury.
      Giroud’s knock comes just as AC Milan’s 114-cap ace explained how “hungry” he remains on the biggest stage.
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      He said: “I have my role as a big brother for the younger players to be available to them and to speak when it is needed and to motivate the team and keep them together.
      “I treat it like a young player because I want to enjoy every single moment.”
      Giroud is only two goals adrift of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s 51-goal haul as France’s top scorer ever.
      And he added: “I have this target and bonus in my head to beat Thierry but the main goal of the team is to go as far as we can in the competition.
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      “Hopefully we can bring the Cup home. To get another would be amazing. I am still hungry. I feel physically good and am very happy with my team and my club.
      “To be 36 and to still be able to feel good and play like this is a gift and I hope to be able to continue like this. Maybe it could be my last competition but I am not announcing anything.
      “We will see after the World Cup. As long as my body will allow it, I won’t fix any limits.
      “With my age I know I am closer to the end of my career than the beginning but I am still very motivated.” More

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      Watch Chelsea outcast Hakim Ziyech score sensational goal from inside his OWN HALF for Morocco ahead of World Cup 2022

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      HAKIM ZIYECH has scored a wonder strike from inside his OWN HALF for Morocco.The Chelsea winger, 29, is preparing for the World Cup with his national side.

      Ziyech scored a wonder goal from well inside his own half for MoroccoCredit: AFP
      Morocco took on Georgia in a friendly on Thursday, days before the tournament kicks off.
      With his side already one goal up after 28 minutes, Ziyech was gifted the ball in his own half by the opposition.
      He took two touches, looked up and whipped his left-foot around the ball.
      He caught the Georgia keeper in no-man’s land and the ball sailed over his head into the back of the net.
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      Morocco went on to win the exhibition game 3-0, with Sofiane Boufal slotting home a 72-minute penalty.
      Ziyech recently performed a shock U-turn on international retirement.
      He said he was “honoured” to have been called up by Morocco for the Qatar showcase.
      And anyone following the national side will be buzzing to see him return with a goal from past the halfway line.
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      He had vowed to never play for his country again after a falling out with old boss Vahid Halilhodzic.
      Halilhodzic is now old news and Walid Regragui is in charge.
      And Regragui will lead Morocco into Qatar with Ziyech firmly in his plans.
      The Chelsea star has fallen out of favour under Graham Potter, and will look to use the tournament as a springboard to rejuvenate his career.
      He’s played a combined 32 Premier League minutes from the substitute bench since Potter took control.
      Ziyech is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2025. More

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      I’m an employment lawyer – here are your rights if your boss tries to sack you for missing work to watch the World Cup

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      AS footie fans gear up to watch the Three Lions begin the quest for World Cup glory, many may be wondering how to avoid their work life clashing with matches. A string of supporters are already likely debating how to pull a sickie – but what are your rights if your boss tries to sack you for it?
      Brits may want to think twice about skiving off work to watch World Cup gamesCredit: AFP
      Due to the stifling heat and three-hour time difference with Qatar, pivotal games are scheduled to be played at sporadic times.
      This means a ton of Brits will miss out on watching England and other countries compete in the 2022 World Cup.
      The first England match is against Iran – who are 500/1 to win the trophy, compared to the Three Lions’s odds of 8/1 – and it starts at 1pm.
      A huge chunk of the UK’s 33 million-strong workforce will not be able to watch it as it kicks off during work hours.
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      According to a recent poll of 2,000 people, one in three Brits are already planning to call in sick for the game.
      An employment lawyer has now revealed the consequences you may face from your boss for missing work for the footie – and what rights you need to be aware of.
      Victoria Schofield, a solicitor at Slater & Gordon, says workers should be wary when trying to tackle their employer for a day off.
      She explained that unless your sports-loving executive has granted permission for you to watch specific World Cup matches, you will be liable to face disciplinary action if you bunk off.
      If you simply don’t turn up to work, you could face problems thanks to the fine print in your contract, according to Victoria.
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      She explained that many policies dictate employees must devote their whole time at work to their job – meaning if you sneak off to watch the match, you could be accused of “stealing” work time.
      The solicitor said: “A reasonable employer should of course carry out a reasonable investigation into any alleged disciplinary offence and be careful to apply a proportionate sanction. 
      “In most cases, an employee has a right to be given adequate warning about a disciplinary hearing, especially where dismissal is a potential outcome, and to be accompanied at that hearing, and be able to put his or her case forward.”
      If you are accused of misconduct, your employer must have a genuine belief that you are guilty following an internal probe.
      But if you are threatened with dismissal, it has to be within the “range of reasonable responses” your boss could have taken.
      This means that an employment tribunal would consider whether any reasonable employer would have sacked a worker in these circumstances.
      If you have a clean disciplinary record, a tribunal is likely to find that getting the boot from your job was unfair.
      Victoria said: “However, the cases are likely to be fact dependent and it is very hard to make any sweeping generalisations.”
      The employment law expert instead suggests trying to come to an agreement with your employer regarding flexibility during the World Cup.
      HANGOVER HELP
      Pledging to make up for any work time lost may help your case.
      But if your boss outright refuses your negotiation, Victoria explained there is not much else to do except using your holiday allowance.
      For those fearful of nursing a hangover from the night before, you are likely to avoid dismissal if you turn up late as a one-off.
      However, you could still be slapped with a verbal or written warning for your bad timekeeping.
      But Brits who are simply too rough from the beer to physically work are liable to face disciplinary action.
      Victoria continued: “A flexible employer might be willing to agree to special unpaid leave for employees to watch matches, or late starts/finishes the next day to accommodate the inevitable hangover.
      “But a stricter employer might request doctors’ sick notes for absences taken during the course of the World Cup. 
      “As always, communication between employer and employee is key to a successful relationship.”
      So instead of scoring an own goal, it’s best to try to come to some agreement with your employer before skiving off work.
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      Footie fans previously launched a petition calling for the nation to be given a half-day off to watch England’s first World Cup match.
      Bosses at the Road to Victory arena in Manchester, Europe’s largest fanzone, want the workforce to be able to down tools to support the boys on Monday. More

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      Portugal 4 Nigeria 0 LIVE RESULT: Fernandes’ double inspires hosts win as Santos’ side run riot WITHOUT Ronaldo

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      PORTUGAL’S final game before the World Cup couldn’t have gone any better – and they did it WITHOUT Cristiano Ronaldo.Bruno Fernandes’ first half double set the tone for the remainder of match.
      And Nigeria’s night went from bad to worse when courtesy of two late strikes from Goncalo Ramos and Joao Mario.

      RESULT: Portugal 4-0 Nigeria
      TV channel: Sky Sports Premier League
      Live stream: NOW TV
      Portugal XI: Patricio; Dalot, Dias, Antonio Silva, Mendes; Otavio, Fernandes, Carvalho; Felix, Andre Silva, Bernardo Silva
      Nigeria XI: Uzoho; Osayi-Samuel, Akpoguma, Troost-Ekong, Bassey; Aribo, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman, Simon, Moffi

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      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      Make the eagles super again
      Jose Peseiro has got a tough task on his hands to change the fortunes of his Nigeria side.
      Too often guilty of failing to live up to their billing, it has been a disappointing 12 months for Nigeria on the international stage.
      Shock exit from AFCON at the hands of Tunisia, followed by yet more sorrow when Ghana ended their World Cup hopes.
      Peseiro needs to work towards the AFCON qualifiers now to try and get Nigerian football back on track.
      Bond is strong within squad
      Portugal head into the World Cup, despite being one of the fancied teams, as real dark horses for the competition.
      They are capable of not turning up on the big occasion and all too often fall in the latter stages.
      On their day, they are capable of beating anyone.
      That is what makes them so dangerous, you do not know which Portugal will turn up, making them unpredictable.
      But there seems to a bond amongst the squad, all working towards the same cause, fighting for one another until the final whistle.
      Credit: Getty
      All roads lead to Qatar
      Portugal will head to the FIFA World Cup this weekend with their first fixture being next Thursday against Ghana at 4pm (BST).
      They then have their biggest test of the group as they face the likes of Luis Suarez and Darwin Nunez as they take on Uruguay on Monday 28 November.
      Their final group game against South Korea may have more importance depending on the outcome of the game against Uruguay.
      Portu-geezers head off to Qatar
      Portugal put in a solid performance this evening as they smashed Nigeria 4-0 in a largely one-sided contest.
      The Super Eagles struggled to contain the hosts and were lucky to go in at the break only two goals down.
      Despite keeping Santos’ side out for the opening twenty minutes of the second half, they were helpless to keep them out for the rest of the game.
      Portugal will head to the FIFA World Cup full of confidence of what could be.
      Credit: Getty
      FT: Portugal 4-0 Nigeria
      A solid performance for Fernando Santos and his Portugal side.
      They created problems for the visitors from start to finish.
      Portuguese fans will be confident having seen their side in such good form heading to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
      Portugal 4-0 Nigeria
      90+1. We are going to have two additional minutes.
      It is mission accomplished here in Portugal.
      They can fly to Qatar full of hope of what the tournament may bring.
      Portugal 4-0 Nigeria
      89. If anyone was questioning Portugal’s ability to score goals when Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t firing on all cylinders, their questions have been answered tonight.
      CR7 may struggle to break into this team at the moment.
      Nigeria are trying to run the clock down now, they have had enough for one evening.
      Portugal 4-0 Nigeria
      87. Portugal have really turned the screw in the last ten minutes.
      The scoreline does reflect their efforts this evening.
      Apart from a drab 20 minute period after half time, they have bossed this game from start to finish.
      Credit: Getty
      Portugal 4-0 Nigeria
      85. Great football by Fernando Santos’ side.
      The assist by Ramos was sublime, with an elaborate flick at the near post, knocking it into the path of Mario.
      It was more difficult to miss the chance such was the approach play.
      Goal – Joao Mario (Portugal)
      Portugal 3-0 Nigeria
      83. What a costly miss that penalty really was for the Super Eagles.
      No sooner was it cleared, Portugal broke with real pace.
      Laying it on a plate for Ramos to open his account.
      Goal – Goncalo Ramos (Portugal)
      Portugal 2-0 Nigeria
      82. The Nigerian players argue about who will take the kick.
      Emmanuel Dennis grabbed the ball and decided to take it.
      Not a convincing penalty which allows Patricio to tip it onto the post.
      Penalty saved by Rui Patricio
      Penalty to Nigeria
      Portugal 2-0 Nigeria
      80. Dalot is penalised for a foul on Samuel.
      Nigeria counter attack quickly, stretching the defence.
      VAR is having a look at this, it could be a penalty.
      Credit: Alamy
      Portugal 2-0 Nigeria
      78. Portugal will face much stronger sides than this in Qatar.
      When it comes to the group stages, you have to beat the sides put in front of you, so tonight’s experience could be key.
      Ramos manages to win a corner off Bassey.
      Portugal 2-0 Nigeria – Felix chance
      76. Joao Felix has another chance to get himself on the scoresheet as he keeps making moves into dangerous areas.
      Taking the shot on first time, a little wide in the box, he looks to bury the ball in the far corner of the goal.
      The ball narrowly misses the back post with goalkeeper beaten.
      Portugal 2-0 Nigeria – Felix chance
      74. Portugal attack at pace.
      Joao Felix is free at the back post and the ball is played to his feet.
      He looks to get a shot off which slightly deflects making the fingertip save by Uzoho all the much better.
      Portugal 2-0 Nigeria – Chukwueze chance
      72. Chukwueze has a first chance of the game for Nigeria.
      He loses his man and has a sight of goal and looks to put it in the far corner.
      Patricio does brilliantly to save with his legs at the expense of a corner.
      Portugal 2-0 Nigeria
      70. Santos’ side seem to overcomplicate things at times.
      Looking to play three of four passes to do something they could do in two.
      It all gets congested on the edge of the box with Portugal unable to play through the West Africans.
      Credit: Reuters
      Portugal 2-0 Nigeria
      68. Portugal are probing and prodding the Nigerian defence again.
      Neither side has been much of an attacking threat in this half.
      It has turned into more of an exhibition match now.
      Not quite like that dancing contest with Tommy Fury on the weekend.
      Portugal 2-0 Nigeria
      66. There are jeers all around the stadium as the referee fails to award a free kick for a challenge on Joao Felix.
      He takes his frustration out on Bassey giving away a free kick.
      Portugal are guilty of trying one too many passes when attacking.
      Portugal 2-0 Nigeria
      64. Portugal break with Andre Silva.
      They have numbers over the visitors.
      Silva slides it to his right to Joao Mario who looks to return the favour but can only find a Nigerian defender.
      He should have taken that one on himself.
      Portugal 2-0 Nigeria
      62. Moses Simon is fouled by Mario on the edge of the box.
      Pushing Simon in the back as he glided passed him.
      It is in a wide area so would be difficult to trouble Rui Patricio from here.
      Credit: Getty
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      ‘Student’ James Maddison credits watching Man Utd ace Bruno Fernandes for his England recall for World Cup 2022

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      JAMES MADDISON has credited Bruno Fernandes for his World Cup call-up.The 25-year-old midfielder hasn’t played for England since his debut in the 7-0 win over Montenegro in 2019.
      Maddison watched Man Utd’s Fernandes closely when he was trying to get back in the England squadCredit: Reuters
      He missed out at Euro 2020 and was snubbed in the last two international breaks.
      But the all-important Three Lions call-up came for the world’s biggest football showcase.
      Many were demanding Maddison’s inclusion in the Qatar-bound squad after he played a part in 27 of Leicester’s goals in 2022.
      And the Foxes playmaker has credited a Premier League rival for giving him the inspiration to succeed.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP 2022
      Maddison said: “A couple of seasons ago, when I wasn’t in the England squad, Bruno Fernandes was playing very well for Manchester United and putting up ridiculous numbers in terms of goals and assists.
      “So I probably watched him a bit closer at that time. ‘How is he scoring so many goals? What runs is he making that I’m not?’.
      “If that makes me a student of the game, then that’s what I am.”
      The former Norwich dynamo explained that his partner goes mad at him for watching studying so many matches.
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      He added: “I watch every game. My house is football mad.
      “My girlfriend goes crazy because I watch so much. During the lockdown, when there were four games a day, I had them all on.
      “I don’t think that there is a player now that I model my game on – maybe when I was younger. I appreciate all the good players in the Premier League.
      “I try and take something from each of the players I watch, whether they are a higher level, the same level or lower. If I’m watching a game on TV, I’m often watching players in my position.
      “I’m a football man. I’ve said that many times. Because I just love the game.
      “In my head, I’m still that little boy who is kicking the ball around in the garden on or with [England] face paint on.” More